U.S. patent application number 12/200235 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-04 for chamfer tool.
Invention is credited to Ralph D. Czeschin, Michael D. Katzenberger, Anthony P. Slade.
Application Number | 20100054883 12/200235 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41226070 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100054883 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Katzenberger; Michael D. ;
et al. |
March 4, 2010 |
CHAMFER TOOL
Abstract
An apparatus may comprise a body, a pilot, a blade, a shaft, and
a guide. The body may have a first end and a second end. The pilot
may extend from the first end of the body and the blade may be
attached to the body and positioned longitudinally on the body at
the first end. The shaft may extend from the second end of the
body, and the guide may be capable of receiving the pilot.
Inventors: |
Katzenberger; Michael D.;
(Florissant, MO) ; Czeschin; Ralph D.;
(Washington, MO) ; Slade; Anthony P.; (St. Ann,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUKE W. YEE
YEE & ASSOCIATES, P.C., P.O. BOX 802333
DALLAS
TX
75380
US
|
Family ID: |
41226070 |
Appl. No.: |
12/200235 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
408/225 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 408/5621 20150115;
B23B 2270/34 20130101; B23B 49/02 20130101; B23B 49/00 20130101;
Y10T 408/9065 20150115; B23B 2215/04 20130101; B23B 51/107
20130101; B23B 2251/50 20130101; Y10T 408/5584 20150115; Y10T
408/5627 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
408/225 |
International
Class: |
B23B 51/00 20060101
B23B051/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a body having a first end and a second
end; a pilot extending from the first end of the body; a blade
attached to the body and positioned longitudinally on the body at
the first end; a shaft extending from the second end of the body;
and a guide capable of receiving the pilot.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide has a stop element
capable of controlling a depth of a chamfer formed by the
blade.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide comprises: a housing
having a cavity; and a positive stop located within the cavity,
wherein the positive stop is capable of engaging the stop feature
on the body.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the positive stop is a ring
capable of receiving an end of the pilot.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a slot formed in
the body, wherein the slot is capable of receiving the blade.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising: a fastening system
capable of securing the blade within the slot.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the fastening system
comprises: a clamp; and a screw, wherein the clamp and the screw
are capable of securing the blade in the slot.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade is capable of being
moved to a selected position with respect to the first end of the
body.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a drill having a
tool holder, wherein the shaft is capable of being secured in the
tool holder.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a structure having
a hole, wherein the hole is capable of receiving the guide at a
first end of the hole and the first end of the body with the pilot
at a second end of the hole and wherein the pilot engages the
guide.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the structure is a lug for
an aircraft hinge.
12. A chamfer forming system comprising: a body having a first end,
a second end, and a slot formed in the body; a pilot extending from
the first end of the body; a blade capable of being secured in the
slot and positioned longitudinally on the body at the first end and
capable of being moved to a selected position with respect to the
first end of the body; a shaft extending from the second end of the
body; a guide having a housing with a cavity and a ring capable of
being placed in the cavity and providing a positive stop, wherein
the ring is capable of receiving an end of the pilot and is capable
of controlling a depth of a chamfer formed by the blade; a clamp; a
screw, wherein the clamp and the screw are capable of securing the
blade in the slot; a drill having a tool holder, wherein the shaft
is capable of being secured in the tool holder; and a lug for an
aircraft hinge having a hole, wherein the hole is capable of
receiving the guide at a first end of the hole and the first end of
the body with the pilot at a second end of the hole and wherein the
pilot engages the guide.
13. A method for forming a chamfer, the method comprising: placing
a guide into a first end of a hole; moving an end of a body having
a pilot extending from the end into a first end of the hole,
wherein the pilot engages the guide and wherein the body has a
blade; and rotating the body to form the chamfer in the second end
of the hole.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the guide comprises a housing
with a cavity and further comprising: identifying a depth for the
chamfer; selecting a ring capable of being placed into the cavity,
wherein the ring is selected to limit how far the pilot can move
into the hole to limit cutting of the chamfer by the blade to a
desired depth; and placing the ring into the cavity of the
housing.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the chamfer is a first chamfer
and further comprising: placing the guide into the second end of
the hole after forming the first chamfer; moving the end of the
body having the pilot extending from the end into the first end of
the hole, wherein the pilot engages the guide; and rotating the
body to form a second chamfer in the first end of the hole.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the rotating step comprises:
rotating the body after the pilot engages the guide.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the rotating step further
comprises: halting rotation of the body when the guide limits
further movement of the guide into the hole to form the chamfer in
the second end of the hole.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the body has a shaft at an
opposite end from the pilot and further comprising: securing the
shaft in a tool holder.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein the hole is located in an
aircraft part.
20. A method for forming chamfers in a hole in a lug for an
aircraft hinge, the method comprising: identifying a depth for the
chamfer; selecting a ring capable of being placed into a cavity in
a housing of a guide, wherein the ring is selected to limit how far
a pilot can move into the hole to limit cutting of the chamfer by a
blade to a desired depth; placing the ring into the cavity in the
housing of the guide; placing the guide having the cavity into a
first end of the hole; securing a shaft in a tool holder; moving an
end of a body having a pilot extending from the end into a first
end of the hole, wherein the pilot engages the guide and wherein
the body has the blade; rotating the body after the pilot engages
the guide; halting rotation of the body when the guide limits
further movement of the guide into the hole to form a first chamfer
in the second end of the hole; placing the guide into the second
end of the hole after forming the first chamfer; moving the body
having the pilot to the first end of the hole, wherein the pilot
engages the guide placed into the second end of the hole; and
rotating the body after the pilot engages the guide after moving
the body to form a second chamfer in the first end of the hole.
Description
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to manufacturing
and, in particular, to cutting tools. Still more particularly, the
present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for producing
a chamfer on a part using a cutting tool.
[0003] 2. Background
[0004] In manufacturing objects, holes may be formed and/or drilled
into and/or through an object. For example, without limitation, a
hole may be formed through a wing panel and a spar, such that a
fastener may be placed through the hole to secure these parts
together. In yet another example, a hole may be formed through a
lug in a structure, such as, for example, without limitation, a rib
of an aircraft wing. A bearing may be placed into the hole for
rotatably attaching other components, such as, for example, without
limitation, control surfaces, like flaps.
[0005] In forming these types of holes, a chamfer may be created at
and/or around one or both ends of the hole. A chamfer may be a
bevel and/or groove and may have a flat surface. A chamfer may be
created by cutting off an edge of a structure such as, for example,
without limitation, an edge of a hole. For example, a chamfer may
be created to form a counter-sink for a hole for use in receiving a
fastener. A chamfer also may be created in a hole used to receive a
part, such as, for example, without limitation, a bearing.
[0006] The shape, size, angle, and/or other suitable parameters of
a chamfer may be important to provide a proper fit for parts.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus for
increasing the precision at which a chamfer can be made, which
overcomes the problems described above.
SUMMARY
[0008] In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a
body, a pilot, a blade, a shaft, and a guide. The body may have a
first end and a second end. The pilot may extend from the first end
of the body and the blade may be attached to the body and
positioned longitudinally on the body at the first end. The shaft
may extend from the second end of the body, and the guide may be
capable of receiving the pilot.
[0009] In another advantageous embodiment, a chamfer forming system
may comprise a body, a pilot, a blade, a shaft, a guide, a clamp, a
screw, a drill, and a lug. The body may have a first end, a second
end, and a slot formed in the body. The pilot may extend from the
first end of the body. The blade may be capable of being secured in
the slot and positioned longitudinally on the body at the first end
and may be capable of being moved to a selected position of the
blade with respect to the first end of the body. The shaft may
extend from the second end of the body. The guide may have a
housing with a cavity and a ring capable of being placed in the
cavity and providing a positive stop, wherein the ring may be
capable of receiving an end of the pilot and may be capable of
controlling a depth of a chamfer formed by the blade. The clamp and
the screw may be capable of securing the blade in the slot. The
drill may have a tool holder, wherein the shaft may be capable of
being secured in the tool holder. The lug for an aircraft hinge may
have a hole, wherein the hole may be capable of receiving the guide
at a first end of the hole and the first end of the body with the
pilot at a second end of the hole and wherein the pilot may engage
the guide.
[0010] In yet another advantageous embodiment, a method may be
present for forming a chamfer. A guide may be placed into a first
end of a hole. A first end of a body having a pilot extending from
the end into a first end of the hole may be moved, wherein the
pilot may engage the guide and wherein the body may have a blade.
The body may be rotated to form the chamfer in the second end of
the hole.
[0011] In still yet another advantageous embodiment, a method may
be present for forming chamfers in a hole in a lug for an aircraft
hinge. The method may identify a depth for the chamfer, and select
a ring capable of being placed into a cavity in a housing of a
guide. The ring may be selected to limit how far a pilot can move
into the hole to limit cutting of the chamfer by a blade to a
desired depth. The ring may be placed into the cavity in the
housing of the guide. The guide having the cavity may be placed
into a first end of the hole, and a shaft may be secured in a tool
holder. An end of a body having a pilot extending from the end into
a second end of the hole may be moved, wherein the pilot may engage
the guide and wherein the body may have the blade. The body may be
rotated after the pilot may engage the guide. Rotation of the body
may be halted when the guide limits further movement of the guide
into the hole to form a first chamfer in the second end of the
hole. The guide may be placed into the second end of the hole after
forming the first chamfer. The body having the pilot may be moved
to the first end of the hole, wherein the pilot may engage the
guide placed into the second end of the hole. The body may be
rotated after the pilot may engage the guide after moving the body
to form a second chamfer in the first end of the hole.
[0012] The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved
independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or
may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details
can be seen with reference to the following description and
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The novel features believed characteristic of the
advantageous embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The
advantageous embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of
use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be
understood by reference to the following detailed description of an
advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an aircraft manufacturing
and service method in which an advantageous embodiment may be
implemented;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an aircraft in accordance with an
advantageous embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a chamfer forming system in
accordance with an advantageous embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a chamfer forming system in
accordance with an advantageous embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of a chamfer forming system in
accordance with an advantageous embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a front view of a chamfer
forming system in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a chamfer in accordance
with an advantageous embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a bearing secured within a
hole in accordance with an advantageous embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating setting a chamfer forming
system in accordance with an advantageous embodiment; and
[0023] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process for forming chamfers in
a hole in accordance with an advantageous embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring more particularly to the drawings, embodiments of
the disclosure may be described in the context of aircraft
manufacturing and service method 100 as shown in FIG. 1 and an
aircraft 102 as shown in FIG. 2. During pre-production, aircraft
manufacturing and service method 100 may include specification and
design 104 of aircraft 102 and material procurement 106.
[0025] During production, component and subassembly manufacturing
108 and system integration 110 of aircraft 102 takes place.
Thereafter, aircraft 102 may go through certification and delivery
112 in order to be placed in service 114. While in service by a
customer, aircraft 102 is scheduled for routine maintenance and
service 116 (which may also include modification, reconfiguration,
refurbishment, and so on).
[0026] Each of the processes of aircraft manufacturing and service
method 100 may be performed or carried out by a system integrator,
a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., a customer). For the
purposes of this description, a system integrator may include,
without limitation, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major
system subcontractors; a third party may include, for example,
without limitation, any number of venders, subcontractors, and
suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company,
military entity, service organization, and so on.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, aircraft 102 produced by aircraft
manufacturing and service method 100 may include airframe 118 with
a plurality of systems 120 and interior 122. Examples of systems
120 include one or more of propulsion system 124, electrical system
126, hydraulic system 128, and environmental system 130. Any number
of other systems may be included in this example. Although an
aerospace example is shown, the principles of the disclosure may be
applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry.
[0028] Apparatus and methods embodied herein may be employed during
any one or more of the stages of aircraft manufacturing and service
method 100. For example, without limitation, components or
subassemblies corresponding to component and subassembly
manufacturing 108 may be fabricated or manufactured in a manner
similar to components or subassemblies produced while aircraft 102
is in service.
[0029] Also, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments,
or a combination thereof may be utilized during component and
subassembly manufacturing 108 and system integration 110, for
example, without limitation, by substantially expediting assembly
of or reducing the cost of aircraft 102.
[0030] Similarly, one or more of apparatus embodiments, method
embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized while
aircraft 102 is in service, for example, without limitation, to
maintenance and service 116. As a specific example, an advantageous
embodiment may be implemented during component and sub-assembly
manufacturing 108 to create chamfers in holes in lugs for receiving
bearings for use in trailing edge flaps for aircraft 102.
[0031] The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take
into account that some buildups between parts may have large
tolerances. In some cases, however, the tolerance may need to be
tighter and/or more stringent to provide for a proper fit. For
example, without limitation, bearings used for trailing edge flaps
in an aircraft may require a higher tolerance than other
components. For example, without limitation, the chamfer for a hole
may have a tolerance of around plus or minus 0.0020 of an inch (
20/1,000's) for a bearing that is to be placed into the hole.
[0032] The different advantageous embodiments recognize and take
into account that variables and tolerances may require depths of
chamfers and holes to be checked for each individual piece in a
structure on which chamfers are used. When large production runs
are required, the different advantageous embodiments recognize and
take into account that this type of process may become a tedious
and time-consuming operation. The different advantageous
embodiments recognize and take into account that currently used
tool systems may precisely set depths for chamfers, but these
depths may be based on a measurement of the depth with respect to
the part.
[0033] Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a
method and apparatus for forming chamfers and parts. In one
advantageous embodiment, a body may have a first end and a second
end. A pilot may extend from the first end of the body. Further,
the apparatus may include a blade attached to the body and
positioned on the body at the first end. A shaft may extend from a
second end.
[0034] A guide also may be present that may be capable of receiving
the pilot. In these examples, the guide may be capable of providing
a positive stop for controlling the depth of a chamfer formed by
the blade in a hole. The guide also may be used to set a position
for the blade positioned on the body.
[0035] These different advantageous embodiments may not require
adjusting the depth relative to a part. Instead, the depth may be
pre-set once using the guide to provide a fixed and repeatable
depth for multiple numbers of chamfers formed in different
holes.
[0036] With reference now to FIG. 3, a diagram illustrating a
chamfer forming system is depicted in accordance with an
advantageous embodiment. In this example, chamfer forming system
300 includes body 302 with shaft 304 extending from second end 306
of body 302. Pilot 308 extends from first end 310 of body 302.
[0037] Body 302, shaft 304, and pilot 308 may be formed integrally
as a single component. In other advantageous embodiments, shaft 304
and/or pilot 308 may be attached to body 302. This attachment may
be performed using various processes such as, for example, without
limitation, welding, fasteners, adhesives, and/or some other
suitable process for attaching components to each other.
[0038] In these examples, body 302, shaft 304, and pilot 308 may be
constructed from various materials. The selected material for these
components may be one that provides a capability to hold up during
a chamfer forming process. The material may be, for example,
without limitation, steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, or some
other suitable material.
[0039] Further, body 302 may have slot 312. Blade 314 may be a
removable blade that may fit within slot 312. Blade 314 may be
secured within slot 312 in a particular position using fastening
system 315. In these examples, fastening system 315 may include
clamp 316 and screw 318. Additionally, chamfer forming system 300
also may include guide 320. Guide 320 may have housing 322 and ring
324. Ring 324 may fit into cavity 326 of housing 322. In these
examples, end 328 of pilot 308 may fit into hole 323 in ring 324.
Ring 324 may provide stop element 329 to limit movement of pilot
308 into ring 324. Stop feature 333 in body 302 may engage stop
element 329 as shown by arrow 327 in limiting movement of pilot 308
into ring 324.
[0040] Ring 324 may have depth 330. Depth 330 may be selected to
determine when stop element 329 engages stop feature 333 in these
examples, as illustrated by arrow 327. Depth 330 may correspond to
depth 331 forming first chamfer 332 within hole 334 of structure
336. Hole 334 may have first end 335 and second end 337. Stop
element 329 takes the form of positive stop 325 in these
examples.
[0041] Depending on the desired depth for first chamfer 332, depth
330 of ring 324 may be changed by selecting another ring for ring
324. By changing depth 330, the distance pilot 308 travels through
hole 334 before stop feature 333 engages stop element 329 may be
changed. In other advantageous embodiments, ring 324 may be fixed
within housing 322. In this type of embodiment, a new guide in
place of guide 320 may then be selected for a different
chamfer.
[0042] Structure 336 in this example may be lug 338 for an aircraft
part. In particular, lug 338 may be, for example, without
limitation, a lug for an aircraft hinge.
[0043] Guide 320 may be placed against side 340 of structure 336.
First end 310 with pilot 308 extending from first end 310 may be
placed into hole 334 from side 342, opposite side 340, through
first end 335 of hole 334. In this manner, pilot 308 may engage
and/or be received into ring 324 of guide 320.
[0044] Shaft 304 may be placed into tool holder 344 in drill 346.
Tool holder 344 may be attached to spindle 343, which may be
attached to motor 350. Tool holder 344 may be, for example, without
limitation, a chuck. Drill 346 may rotate body 302 with blade 314
in a manner to cut and slash or form first chamfer 332. As first
chamfer 332 is being cut for hole 334, pilot 308 may move further
into ring 324.
[0045] At some point, stop feature 333 in body 302 may engage stop
element 329 in ring 324. This engagement may occur when pilot 308
moves a distance of depth 330 into ring 324. At this point, first
chamfer 332 may be complete and body 302 with pilot 308 may be
disengaged from guide 320 and used to form another chamfer in
another hole. In some advantageous embodiments, guide 320 may then
be placed against side 340 to form a second chamfer. A second
chamfer, such as second chamfer 351 with angle 353 may be formed in
structure 336 on side 340 by rotating body 302 with pilot 308 to
engage guide 320 from side 340.
[0046] In these different advantageous embodiments, blade 314 may
be set to an appropriate position within slot 312 using setting
ring 352. Setting ring 352 may have depth 354, which may be around
the same distance as depth 331 for hole 334 in structure 336.
Further, setting ring 352 also may include chamfer 356, which may
have a shape, position, size, and/or orientation that may be around
the same as first chamfer 332.
[0047] Pilot 308 may be placed through setting ring 352 into guide
320. Blade 314 may be set into selected position 358 within slot
312 in this configuration. Angle 303 in first chamfer 332 may be
controlled by selecting angle 301 for blade 314. Further, setting
ring 352 may be used to check the position of blade 314 between
and/or during chamfer forming operations to ensure that a change in
the position of blade 314 has not occurred to make first chamfer
332 out of tolerance. Also, this check may be made to determine
whether blade 314 has worn from use such that first chamfer 332 may
differ in size, depth, orientation, or some other suitable
parameter from the desired settings.
[0048] The illustration of chamfer forming system 300 in FIG. 3 is
provided for purposes of illustrating different features for
different advantageous embodiments. This illustration is not meant
to imply physical or architectural limitations in a manner in which
different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. For example,
in other advantageous embodiments, guide 320 may not use ring 324.
Instead, cavity 326 may be configured to receive end 328 of pilot
308 and have depth 330 for controlling the depth of first chamfer
332.
[0049] In yet other advantageous embodiments, blade 314 may be
adjusted to aid in setting depth 331 for first chamfer 332. The
adjustment of blade 314 may be performed using guide 320 to set
blade 314 at the desired location within spot 312 to cut depth 331
for first chamfer 332. As yet another example, stop feature 333 may
be on pilot 308 rather than body 302.
[0050] With reference now to FIG. 4, a diagram illustrating a
chamfer forming system is depicted in accordance with an
advantageous embodiment. In this example, chamfer forming system
400 is an example of one implementation of chamfer forming system
300 in FIG. 3. In this example, chamfer forming system 400 includes
body 402. Body 402 may have shaft 404 extending from end 406. In
this example, pilot 408 extends from end 410 of body 402. Body 402
may include stop feature 411. Stop feature 411 may be a portion of
pilot 408 having a wider diameter at section 413 of body 402 as
compared to section 415 of pilot 408.
[0051] In this example, shaft 404 and pilot 408 may be formed as an
integral part of body 402. In other advantageous embodiments, these
components may be attached to body 402 through various processes,
such as, for example, without limitation, bonding, welding, and
some other suitable attachment process. Body 402, shaft 404, and/or
pilot 408 may be made from various materials. The particular
material selected may depend on the hardness needed for these
components. These materials may be, for example, without
limitation, formed from steel, titanium, aluminum, alloy tool
steels, or some other suitable materials.
[0052] In this example, body 402 may have slot 412 which may be
formed radially into body 402. Blade 414 may be placed into slot
412 such that blade 414 may be positioned longitudinally along body
402.
[0053] Blade 414 may be formed from various materials. For example,
without limitation, blade 414 may be formed using steel, titanium,
high speed steel, carbide, or some other suitable material.
Further, blade 414 may be tempered, case hardened, diamond coated,
or otherwise treated. The particular material selected for blade
414 may differ depending on the particular material into which a
chamfer may be formed.
[0054] In this example, fastening system 416 may secure blade 414
within slot 412. Fastening system 416 may be comprised of clamp 418
and screw 420. Screw 420 may secure clamp 418 to blade 414 on body
402 when screw 418 may be placed through hole 422 in clamp 418 and
secured within hole 424 in body 402. In this illustrated example,
hole 424 may be a threaded hole.
[0055] Chamfer forming system 300 also may include guide 426. Guide
426 may include housing 428 and ring 430. In this example, ring 430
fits within cavity 432 of housing 426. Cavity 432 may be formed
through extension 434 in housing 428. In this example, ring 430 may
be a bushing and may have depth 436. Ring 430 may receive end 438
of pilot 408. Surface 439 of ring 430 forms stop element 329 in
these examples. Surface 439 may engage section 413 of body 402 to
prevent pilot 408 from moving further into ring 430. Section 413 in
pilot 408 may be an example of stop feature 333 in FIG. 3.
[0056] In operation, side 440 of guide 426 may be placed against
side 442 of structure 444. This placement results in extension 434
of guide 426 being placed into hole 446. In this manner, extension
434 of guide 426 may be placed into end 448 of hole 446. End 438 of
pilot 408 may be placed into end 450 of hole 446 on side 451 of
structure 444 and 438 of pilot 408 may engage ring 430 within
cavity 432.
[0057] Shaft 404 may be secured or engaged in tool holder 454.
Rotation of shaft 404 causes body 402 with blade 414 to cut chamfer
454 within hole 446. Chamfer 454 may have depth 456, which may be
controlled by depth 436 in ring 430. In these examples, depth 436
and depth 456 may have the same value. As blade 414 cuts into end
450 of hole 446, end 438 of pilot 408 moves farther into ring 430.
Once pilot 408 may have traveled depth 436, section 413 of body 402
engages surface 439, and pilot 408 no longer moves deeper into hole
446. In this manner, depth 456 for chamfer 454 may be
controlled.
[0058] If a new value is needed for depth 456, a new ring 430 may
replace ring 430 and have a new depth, and may be placed into
cavity 432.
[0059] In a similar fashion, guide 426 may be placed into end 450
of hole 446 and end 410 with pilot 408 extending from end 410 may
be placed into end 448 of hole 446 to cut and form chamfer 458 with
depth 460.
[0060] With reference now to FIG. 5, a side view of a chamfer
forming system is depicted in accordance with an advantageous
embodiment. In this figure, chamfer forming system 400 is shown in
a cutaway and/or partially exposed view taken along lines 5-5 in
FIG. 4.
[0061] In this example, pilot 408 in chamfer forming system 400 may
have hole 500. Hole 500 may receive and engage engaging member 504,
which may extend from wall 506 of cavity 432 in housing 428 of
guide 426. In this view, pilot 408 may be fully engaged into ring
430 within housing 428. As can be seen, ring 430 may provide a
positive stop through surface 439 (not shown on FIG. 5) to control
depth 456 in FIG. 4 in chamfer 454.
[0062] Chamfer forming system 400 in FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate shaft
404, body 402, pilot 408, and guide 426, each of which may have any
of a number of possible lengths, depending on the particular
implementation. In these examples, shaft 404 may have a length of
around one inch and body 402 also may have a length of around one
inch. In addition, pilot 408 may be received by and housed in guide
426. Guide 426 may have a total length of around 0.7 inches.
Chamfer forming system 400 may have a total length of around 2.7
inches. These examples are not intended to provide limitations to
the manner in which other advantageous embodiments may be
implemented. For example, in other advantageous embodiments,
chamfer forming system 400 may have other suitable sizes
contemplated for a particular chamfer, structure, or other suitable
consideration in forming chamfers.
[0063] The illustration of chamfer forming system 400 in FIGS. 4
and 5 have been presented for purposes of illustrating one manner
in which an advantageous embodiment may be implemented. This
illustration is not meant to imply physical or architectural
limitations to the manner in which other advantageous embodiments
may be implemented.
[0064] For example, without limitation, surface 439 may function as
stop element 329 in ring 430, while section 413 functions as stop
feature 333 that engages stop element 329. In other advantageous
embodiments, other features may be used to implement stop feature
333 and stop element 329. Also, rather than using surface 439, a
wall in housing 428 may provide stop element 329, while end 438 on
pilot 408 may function as stop feature 333. When end 438 reaches a
wall within housing 428, pilot 408 may stop moving through hole
446. Of course, other advantageous embodiments may employ other
types of stop features and/or stop elements. In yet another
advantageous embodiment, a blade in addition to blade 414 may be
used and positioned on body 402 in any suitable location by any
suitable means.
[0065] With reference now to FIG. 6, a diagram illustrating a front
view of a chamfer forming system is depicted in accordance with an
advantageous embodiment. In FIG. 6, the front view of chamfer
forming system 400 is taken along lines 6-6. In this example, pilot
408, stop feature 411, and body 402 in chamfer forming system 400
in FIGS. 4 and 6 may be seen. Each of these components may have any
of a number of possible diameters.
[0066] For example, without limitation, pilot 408 may have diameter
602 which may be around 0.625 inches; section 413 of pilot 408 may
have diameter 604 which may be around 1.0 inches; and body 402 may
have diameter 606 which may be around 1.31 inches. These exemplary
diameters are provided for purposes of illustrating one
implementation of chamfer forming system 400. For example, without
limitation, the diameter of section 413 of pilot 408 may be varied
depending on the diameter of hole 446. Other advantageous
embodiments may have other suitable sizes and/or diameters
contemplated for creating chamfers for other sizes of hole 446.
[0067] In these illustrative examples, length 507 in FIG. 5 of
pilot 408 may vary depending on the thickness of structure 444
and/or diameter 602 of pilot 408 may vary depending on the diameter
of hole 446. For example, without limitation, a diameter of around
06.25 inches for section 413 may be used in hole 446 having a
diameter of around 0.625 inches. In some advantageous embodiments,
pilot 408 may have more than one diameter to allow for pilot 408 to
be used with different sized holes.
[0068] With reference now to FIG. 7, a diagram illustrating a
chamfer is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment.
In this example, hole 446 includes chamfer 454 on end 450 and
chamfer 458 on end 448. Bearing 700 may be placed into end 458 of
hole 446. In this example, bearing 600 may be a mono-ball bearing,
which may be part of a structure such as, for example, without
limitation, a trailing edge flap assembly and/or any type of
flanged bearing which may require staking to provide a positive
location for installation.
[0069] With reference now to FIG. 8, a diagram illustrating a
bearing 700 secured within hole 446 is depicted in accordance with
an advantageous embodiment. In this example, bearing 700 may be at
least partially retained within hole 446 by forming lip 800 of
bearing 700 over chamfer 454. Lip 800 may be formed over chamfer
454 by crimping, staking, or otherwise forming lip 800 over chamfer
454. This process may prevent migration of bearing 700 within hole
446.
[0070] If chamfer 454 does not have a desired value for depth 456
(not shown), then bearing 700 may not form a fit within tolerance
to structure 444. The desired value of chamfer 454 may include, for
example, without limitation, angle 303, which may correspond to
angle 301 for blade 314. In these examples, structure 444 may take
various forms. For example, without limitation, structure 444 may
be, for example, a lug, a clevis, or some other suitable structure
for receiving bearing 700.
[0071] With reference now to FIG. 9, a diagram illustrating setting
a chamfer forming system is depicted in accordance with an
advantageous embodiment. In this example, blade 414 in chamfer
forming system 400 may be set to an appropriate depth to cut a
desired chamfer within a part. In this example, setting ring 900
provides a capability to set blade 414. Setting ring 900 may have
chamfer 902 and depth 904. Depth 904 may be a depth that may be
around the same depth as structure 444 (not shown) at which hole
446 (not shown) is located. Chamfer 902 may mimic or may be around
the same depth and orientation as chamfer 454 (not shown). Pilot
408 may be placed through setting ring 900 into guide 426 to set
blade 414.
[0072] In addition to being used to set blade 414, setting ring 900
also may be used to check blade 414 during chamfer forming
operations. This check may be made to ensure that the position of
blade 414 and/or wear that may occur on blade 414 does not change a
chamfer that may be formed using chamfer system 400. In these
examples, the position may be relative to setting ring 900.
[0073] With reference now to FIG. 10, a flowchart of a process for
forming chamfers in a hole is depicted in accordance with an
advantageous embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 10 may be
implemented using chamfer forming system 300 in FIG. 3.
[0074] The process may begin by identifying a depth for first
chamfer 332 for hole 334 (operation 1000). Thereafter, the process
may select setting ring 352 (operation 1002). Setting ring 352 may
have a depth that may be used to control the depth of the chamfer.
Setting ring 352 may be used to set the position of blade 314
(operation 1004).
[0075] Guide 320 may be placed into second end 337 of hole 334
(operation 1006). Shaft 304 may be secured to tool holder 344 for
drill 346 (operation 1008). The process then may move first end 310
of body 302 having pilot 308 extending from first end 310 into
first end 335 of hole 334 (operation 1010).
[0076] Body 302 may be rotated after pilot 308 engages guide 320
(operation 1012). In operation 1012, pilot 308 may engage ring 334
placed into cavity 326 of guide 320. The process may then move
pilot 308 further into hole 334 (operation 1014). The movement of
pilot 308 further into hole 334 causes blade 314 to cut first
chamfer 332 into the side of hole 338. The rotation of body 302 may
be halted when guide 320 limits further movement of pilot 308 into
hole 334 (operation 1016).
[0077] When pilot 308 is no longer capable of being moved further
into hole 334, first chamfer 332 may be complete with the desired
depth and chamfer angle. The process may then place guide 320 into
first end 335 of hole 334 after forming first chamfer 332
(operation 1018). The process may move first end 310 of body 302
having pilot 308 extending from first end 310 into second end 337
of hole 334 (operation 1020). Body 302 is rotated after pilot 308
engages guide 320 to form second chamfer 351 in second end 337 of
hole 334 (operation 1022).
[0078] The process may move pilot 308 further into hole 334 while
body 302 rotates (operation 1024). Guide 320 may then halt rotation
of body 302 by limiting further movement of pilot 308 into hole 334
(operation 1026), with the process terminating thereafter. When
pilot 308 is no longer capable of being moved further into hole
334, first chamfer 332 may be complete with the desired depth and
chamfer angle.
[0079] The illustration of the different operations in FIG. 10 are
provided as an example of one manner in which a chamfer may be
created using a chamfer forming system in accordance with an
advantageous embodiment. In other implementations, other operations
may be used in addition to or in place of the ones illustrated.
Further, operations also may be performed in a different order.
[0080] For example, without limitation, operation 1008 may be
performed after operation 1010 or may be performed prior to
operation 1006 in these examples. As yet another example,
operations 1006, 1010, 1012, 1014, and 1016 may be performed on an
opposite end of the hole to create a second chamfer such that the
hole may have a chamfer on either end. Further, operations 1000,
1002, and 1004 may be performed for the second chamfer if a
different depth is desired.
[0081] Thus, the different advantageous embodiments provide a
method and apparatus for forming a chamfer. In the different
advantageous embodiments, a replaceable blade may allow an operator
to quickly replace a cutting edge during the forming of a chamfer
and/or between forming chamfers. Further, the guide provided in the
different advantageous embodiments may have a set depth allowing an
operator to set the proper depth of a cut whenever a blade
replacement may be needed. Further, this feature also allows for a
quick setting of the blade without having to perform
measurements.
[0082] Thus, the different advantageous embodiments may not require
checking a blade prior to cutting a chamfer. With the use of the
ring and the removable blade, the different advantageous
embodiments provide a capability to ensure that a proper depth is
set for a blade whenever a blade replacement may occur or to just
check the depth of the current setting.
[0083] The description of the different advantageous embodiments
has been presented for purposes of illustration and description,
and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments
in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example,
without limitation, other different advantageous embodiments have
been shown with respect to creating chamfers in a hole for a
bearing in an aircraft part. Other advantageous embodiments may be
applied to other manufacturing processes for other types of
structures.
[0084] For example, without limitation, the different advantageous
embodiments may be applied to creating chamfers and/or countersinks
for holes for fasteners used to join parts to each other. These
chamfers may be for parts in structures such as, for example,
without limitation, a car, a building, a car plant, a spacecraft,
or some other suitable structure. Further, different advantageous
embodiments may provide different advantages as compared to other
advantageous embodiments.
[0085] The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and
described in order to best explain the principles of the
embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of
ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various
embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated.
* * * * *